Compact Treadmill Servo Motor Pulley System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized treadmills are large and heavy due to their design for running speeds, making them unsuitable for walking and not easily portable, which limits their use for rehabilitation and personal health benefits in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight treadmill design utilizing a servo motor and pulley system for high-torque output at slow speeds, with a removable walker for stability, and a remote display to minimize the footprint and weight, allowing for efficient walking and easy portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a treadmill is designed for running speeds with a heavy motor and long belt, then running performance is improved, but the device becomes large and heavy making it not easily portable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from running speeds to walking speeds, which allows the use of a smaller, lighter motor (e.g., 2.5 hp instead of 5+ hp) and a shorter belt, directly reducing the overall weight and size of the treadmill while maintaining adequate performance for walking applications
Solution Approach 2:
The treadmill is divided into separable components including a removable walker assembly and a console that can be detached, allowing the main treadmill unit to be lighter and more portable while still providing stability and functionality when needed
2Reliability
If a treadmill is designed for running with wide sidewalls and chest-high framework, then runner safety is improved, but the device becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the safety approach from physical barriers (wide sidewalls, chest-high frameworks) to operational controls (speed limits, safety keys, emergency stop mechanisms), allowing the treadmill to have a compact footprint while maintaining safety for walking applications through different safety parameters
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using wide sidewalls to prevent falls, the patent uses narrow sidewalls combined with a walker attachment that provides the stability function, inverting the traditional safety approach to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining user safety
3Power
If a treadmill uses a large motor and heavy flywheel to maintain running speeds, then running performance is improved, but portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power requirements from high-speed running demands to low-speed walking demands, enabling the use of a smaller motor with sufficient torque for walking speeds, which directly improves portability by reducing the weight and size of the motor assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional heavy flywheel mechanism with an electronic control system that uses a smaller motor combined with electronic speed control and feedback mechanisms to maintain steady walking speeds, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical momentum storage
4Adaptability or versatility
If a treadmill has a fixed display and motor housing at the front, then running functionality is improved, but the device loses compactness and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the console and display detachable and repositionable, allowing the control elements to be moved or removed entirely, enabling the treadmill to maintain compact dimensions while still providing full functionality when the console is attached
Solution Approach 2:
The treadmill is designed with universal mounting points and a modular console that can be attached in multiple positions or removed entirely, allowing the same base unit to serve both compact storage and full-functionality modes, increasing versatility without increasing volume
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a safe, portable, and efficient walking environment that is suitable for rehabilitation and personal use, reducing the need for extensive space and promoting walking as a health benefit without the bulk and weight of traditional treadmills.
Implementation Method 1
The invention described herein is a treadmill for walking which utilizes a short walking surface, a small and lightweight motor, strong but minimized frame design; and a remote display to make a compact, relatively lightweight and portable treadmill. In the preferred embodiment the treadmill uses a servo motor and pulley system to generate high-torque, thereby enabling walking at very slow speeds.
Data Source
AI summary
A lightweight treadmill for walking which utilizes a short walking surface, a small and lightweight motor, strong but minimized frame design; and a remote display to make a compact, relatively lightweight and portable treadmill. In the preferred embodiment the treadmill uses. In the preferred embodiment a servomotor and pulley system to generate high-torque, thereby enabling walking at very slow speeds. The servomotor and pulley system fit within the low-profile treadmill base, eliminating the need for a housing at the front end of the treadmill. A walker may be attached to the treadmill for increased stability while walking.